CELAM–UMOFC: the reality of migrant women from a pastoral perspective

Image of the virtual meeting (CELAM)

On 24 June, the UMOFC World Women's Observatory, together with the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM), presented the results of a regional study on the reality of migrant women in Latin America and the Caribbean. The study, entitled ‘Migrant women in Latin America and the Caribbean from the perspective of pastoral workers who assist them,’ is the result of a collaborative effort between CELAM and the World Union of Catholic Women's Organisations (WUCWO), through its World Women's Observatory.

The presentation was held virtually and brought together pastoral agents, migration experts, theologians and representatives of civil society. The event invited reflection on the causes, conditions and consequences of female migration, as well as the role of the Church and society in the face of this reality.

On this occasion, Mónica Santamarina, President General of WUCWO, had the opportunity to present our organisation and its mission worldwide, highlighting in particular the work of the Observatory in listening to and giving visibility to the most vulnerable women." For her part, Ana Martiarena, Project Director of the Observatory, presented some of the main findings of the study, drawing attention to the multiple forms of violence faced by women in the context of migration, as well as possible responses to welcome, protect and accompany them in their processes.

Experts with extensive experience in pastoral accompaniment of migrants also participated, such as Sister Leticia Gutiérrez, a Scalabrinian missionary, and theologian Carmen Lussi, who offered an analysis of the reality of migration. Both emphasised the importance of a committed, close and prophetic Church that walks alongside migrant women, recognising them as subjects of rights and protagonists of transformation.

From the WUCWO Observatory, we reaffirm our commitment to networking, actively listening and giving visibility to women who face the most invisible forms of violence and exclusion.

Link to the news item published by CELAM [SPANISH]: https://adn.celam.org/mujeres-migrantes-en-america-latina-y-el-caribe-una-investigacion-que-visibiliza-sus-desafios-y-luchas/

You can access the full event here [SPANISH]:

You can access the full infographic here: